Lt. Governor Simon Speaks on Child Abuse in Madison County

EDWARDSVILLE, Ill (AP) – Illinois Lt. Gov. Sheila Simon joins with state, local and religious officials at the Madison County Child Advocacy Center in Edwardsville to kick off National Child Abuse Prevention Month.

Simon said she was pleased to be present at the center on Friday, adding it was important for her to get a child’s perspective on preventing abuse.

Simon said people would like to think child abuse, mental health issues and domestic violence happens to others. However, she says the reality is child abuse touches people in many ways.

Simon said communities need to make sure they advocate for human services and state funding, as well as hold fund-raisers for local shelters. She said people should advocate for victims of child abuse and trying to prevent abuse from taking place.